Microsoft Word (or another word processing program) can be used along with AnyOrder to fill forms and create mailing and shipping labels.

In most cases, AnyOrder will create a data file, and then automatically open a mail merge or label document in Word.  When the mail merge or label document is opened, your information from AnyOrder's data file is merged and it's ready to be printed.

Getting Rid of Word's SQL Message

Older versions of Word didn't do this but newer versions of Word will trigger the following (or similar) message:

Opening this document will run the following SQL command:

SELECT * FROM

Data from your database will be placed in the document.  Do you want to continue?

To continue, you would click on YES and the process will continue.  But clicking on YES becomes repetitious after a few times.

You can eliminate the message.  To do so, follow Microsoft's directions found here at the following URL:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/825765

Running Your Macros

You can completely automate printing shipping labels and other tasks by using macros in Microsoft Word.  You can create macros by turning on the Macro recorder and recording a series of steps.  In most cases, the macro that you create will print the document or shipping label and then close the program.

If Microsoft Word won't allow your macros to run, here is information from Microsoft:

For Word 2003, see:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HP051894221033.aspx

For Word 2007, see the above the article.  Also for Word 2007, you'll want to place AnyOrder's directory in the "Trusted Location" for files and macros.  To do so, see the following:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/help/HA100319991033.aspx

Mail Merge - When the Most Recent Data Doesn't Appear

Microsoft Word's merge functions are notoriously finicky and you may not see your current data when the program first opens.  In fact, you may see the data from your last export.

Because of this, it's always a good idea to do a quick check.  In newer Word programs make sure the "Mailings" ribbon is showing. In older Word programs: select Tools >> Letters and Mailings >> Show Mail Merge Tool Bar.  Then for newer Word program, click the "Preview Results" button off and on.  Or for older Word program, click the "View Merge Data" icon off and on.  That refreshes the screen so that you'll see your new data.